Sunday, September 30, 2012

WASHINGTON — The White House has ruled that young immigrants who will be allowed to stay in the United States as part of a new federal policy will not be eligible for health insurance coverage under President Obama’s health care overhaul.

The decision — disclosed last month, to little notice — has infuriated many advocates for Hispanic Americans and immigrants. They say the restrictions are at odds with Mr. Obama’s recent praise of the young immigrants. [...]

Saturday, September 29, 2012

A strike at Walmart? Two of them. In a time when few union members dare strike, three dozen Southern California workers who move goods for Walmart were desperate enough to walk off their jobs September 12 even without union protection.

Three days later, 30 workers who’d been organizing with Warehouse Workers for Justice in Elwood, Illinois, southwest of Chicago, walked out, too.

Both groups of workers had taken legal action against their employers, contractors who move goods for Walmart, and their strikes were protesting illegal retaliation. [...]

Friday, September 28, 2012

Although unauthorized border crossings are down to 40-year lows on the United States’ southern border, the deaths of migrants trying to reach the Promised Land are on the upswing in at least one section of the region. That’s according to Miguel Angel Isidro, Mexican counsel in Laredo, Texas. In remarks to the Mexican press, Isidro said 60 migrants have perished in the zone surrounding Laredo and its sister city of Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, so far this year. [...]

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Struggle Erupts at Hot and Crusty Marty Goodman, New York IndymediaSeptember 2, 2012

New York, NY, September 1--Yesterday, at the corner of 63 street and 2nd Ave., workers and supporters rallied to save jobs at Hot & Crusty, a chain of pastry shops in Manhattan. Hot and Crusty's was briefly occupied by about 15 people and about four were soon arrested by NY's finest. As of last night, two were released. Pickets are now 24/7 starting at noon Saturday. The best way to get there is by taking the F train to 63rd and Lexington. Be there.

Here's the deal. Hot and Crusty's wants to bust the union by closing. Yesterday was their last day dealing with a union - or so they thought. Organizers from the Laundry Worker's Center say that H & C's hopes to re-open with all new non-union workers. It's criminal! [...]

Victory at Hot and CrustyMarty Goodman, New York IndymediaSeptember 9, 2012

Great news! We won one in New York--finally! In front of Hot and Crusty, workers announced yesterday that the new owners of the coffee and pastry shop will recognize their independent union and rehire everyone – yes everyone! An extraordinary agreement allows the union to control the rehiring of the immigrant
workforce. No one is to be victimized!

For anyone who has ever been out of work, especially for immigrant workers, this is fantastic news! [...]

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Opposing the "Drug War" on Both Sides of the Borderby David L. Wilson, New York IndymediaSeptember 8, 2012

The well-known Mexican poet and author Javier Sicilia stood on the steps of New York’s Federal Hall a few feet from George Washington's statue on a hot, humid Friday afternoon and pointed across Wall Street to the Stock Exchange. "That building," he called out in Spanish, "is a symbol of the finance capital that launders money."

Surprised tourists, office workers returning from lunch, and a contingent of police on motor scooters watched from the street below. "That building," Sicilia went on, in the low-key style of someone more accustomed to poetry readings than to political speeches, "is a symbol of the finance capital that profits off narco-trafficking." [...]

About The Politics of Immigration

The Politics of Immigration: Questions and Answers is a book that goes beyond soundbites to tackle concerns about immigration in straightforward language and an accessible question-and-answer format. For immigrants and supporters, the book is a useful tool to confront stereotypes and disinformation. For those who are undecided about immigration, it lays out the facts and clear reasoning they need to develop an informed opinion. Ideal for classroom use, the updated and expanded 2017 edition provides a succinct overview of U.S. immigration history, policy, and practice, with detailed notes guiding readers toward further exploration.
Guskin and Wilson have written extensively on immigration and facilitated dozens of dialogues on the topic with students, community activists, congregations, and other public audiences. To arrange a dialogue or for more information, contact them at thepoliticsofimmigration@gmail.com.
To stay in the loop on author events and related resources, follow the book on Twitter (@Immigration_QA) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/ImmigrationQA/).